Improve Your Thinking
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
In order to get the results we desire, we must do two things. We must first create the space to reason in our thoughts, feelings and actions and second, we must deliberately use that space to think clearly.
-Shane Parrish in Clear Thinking, Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results
Focused Thinking vs. Diffuse Thinking
Focused thinking is when you are trying to think. You are working on a task, researching, studying game film or actively trying to solve a problem, etc.
Diffuse thinking is when you your mind wanders and spontaneous thoughts arise and connections are made.
Focused thinking is obviously an important part of learning and planning. However, there are limits, for example, you can only think in a focused way for so long before you hit diminishing returns and need to take a break.
Diffuse thinking happens when your mind is free to wander. This is where “aha moments” come from, when we suddenly discover an exciting idea or spontaneously connect thoughts that were seemingly unrelated. These moments typically happen when we are engaged in an activity that does not require our focused attention and our mind is free to daydream such as in the shower, gardening, mild to moderate cardio exercise, etc.
In our plugged in world we are constantly attached to our devices and the result is we are losing opportunities for diffuse thinking. Spare moments of stillness are interrupted by our devices. Think mindless scrolling while in line at the grocery store. Now more than ever we need to create space and build habits that allow for improved information consumption. Then let your brain do what it does in the diffuse mode of thinking.
Tips:
Plan for diffuse thinking - where can you create space in your day? Don’t feel guilty about exercise, going for a walk, or quiet time. It’s not being lazy or avoiding work. In fact, it can be the most productive thing you can do. Hit the trails and leave the phone behind.
Use your off-season for extended diffuse thinking. I like to keep a journal to capture the great ideas that come to me during diffuse thinking. The notes app in your phone works well too, but only if you can refrain from distractions. Airplane mode is the way to go if you have your phone on you.
Think about how you can maintain space in your schedule during the season for both modes of thinking.
Focused and Diffuse, Two Modes for Thinking, Farnham Street Blog
The Art and Science of Mind Wandering, by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Breakthrough Knowledge
I believe you can improve your output of novel ideas by managing your inputs. Breakthrough knowledge often comes from making connections between adjacent ideas. To improve your creativity you can vary the type of information you ingest.
This is why you should learn from other sports. I have found useful insights by learning how a basketball offense is structured, how a soccer team breaks lines, and how field lacrosse uses the space behind the offensive net. It’s interesting to see how other sports structure practice, create game models, communicate, etc.
I also recommend reading outside your industry. It’s amazing the connections you can make to your craft of coaching when learning about fields such as advertising, philosophy, behavioral science, etc.
Here is a short list of reading outside of sport that you can sample.
Clear Thinking, Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results, by Shane Parrish
Alchemy, The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-numbing Conformity, by Rory Sutherland
The Effective Executive, The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done, by Peter F. Drucker
Wes Kao’s Newsletter, A bi-weekly newsletter on managing up, executive communication, and standing out as a high-performer
Fit to Speak, Jenny Rearick’s newsletter. Jenny is on a mission to simplify communication and public speaking skill development for fitness, sport, and health professionals.
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
The 3rd Brock Badgers High Performance Coaching Seminar took place on May 31st, 2025
Click here for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 agenda including speakers and topics.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023, 2024, and/or 2025 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
About the seminar…
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Click here for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 agenda including speakers and topics.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023, 2024, and/or 2025 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
Coaching Project
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